Tagged: gifts

I would like to dedicate this post to all the retail stores out there bracing for the holiday season madness. It is the best time of year for the retail industry because shoppers will be bustling in and out of stores, all hours of the day.

However, since there are more consumers in the stores, retailers should implement loss prevention strategies in order to prevent theft. The National Retail Federation just released its ninth annual Organized Retail Crime Survey, revealing the country’s most shoplifted items.

1. Cell phones

iPhones and Android devices are arguably the most desired holiday gifts. On its release weekend in September, the iPhone 5S and 5C sold over 9 million units, which broke Apple’s sales record for iPhones. Its competitor, the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is also doing well. Samsung sold over 5 million units in its release month.

2. Laptops

The lives of college students revolve around one item: their laptops. You can’t really survive college without one. The big debate is whether one wants a PC or a Mac. I prefer the lighter, more stylish MacBook Pro.

3. Weight-loss pills

I’m pretty sure you could end a friendship if you give someone weight-loss pills as a gift. Most of these pills are simply caffeine and diuretics, which results in electrolyte imbalance. Try the old-fashioned way of losing weight before resorting to pills.

4. Handbags

Handbags are a hot item. These accessories are usually expensive but this is the season of sales! So, at some point this holiday season, head over to Barneys or Bergdorf Goodman in the coming weeks to catch handbags at a reduced price.

5. Designer clothing

Designer clothes are also expensive gifts and vulnerable to theft. Therefore I advise anyone to just stay away from designer merchandise if you can not afford it. You don’t want to get attached to a $500 cardigan and then become depressed after looking at the price.

6. LCD televisions

LCD (liquid-crystal display) televisions are the most widely produced television type because it makes everything appear high quality. Like most technology during the holiday season, these items should be on sale. Make a trip to Best Buy or PC Richards.

7. Lotions and creams

Lotion is essential for surviving winter. Nobody wants to leave his or her house with dry skin. It doesn’t really make sense to steal lotion because it’s not expensive at all. But I guess since it’s a necessity (in my opinion), it’s going to be susceptible to theft.

Check out the WBAL-TV article for more info on common shoplifted items.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Kind of hard to believe with the stress of finishing up class and studying for finals. And on top of finals season, there’s the stress of holiday shopping for friends and family. Whether it’s a white elephant gift exchange with friends, a gift for your roomie or shopping for your family at home for when you finally get to see them after the semester ends, the amount of people you get gifts for adds up

It’s gift giving season / PHOTO VIA kidfocus.com

along with the price. How are we supposed to afford buying gifts when we spend all of our money on coffee and comfort food? Fear not, there are options.

The closest supermarket:

Think Shaw’s or an equivalent. What is your friend’s favorite candy? Make a study snack pack for your roommate. One year I got a hot chocolate mug that came complete with hot chocolate. Needless to say, I was stoked. Your fellow college students understand what it means to be a broke college student. Try having a gift exchange with a low budget set so one feels obligated to spend a large sum of money. Note: This might not work for bringing home in your suitcase because most food is perishable, obviously.

Goodwill:

Good for more than funny costumes and ugly sweater holiday parties, thrift shops of any sort are sure to have the perfect present at a low price. The key to Goodwill is shopping when there are good donations. It can be hit or miss, but when you do find a great gift for your sibling you can be sure no one else will get them the same thing. Check out Goodwill’s website for the location nearest you! Just remember that one man’s trash is a college student’s potential gift idea.

Dollar Tree:

It’s in the name; the dollar store is a college student’s best friend when it comes to the shopping season. Obviously you get what you pay for, so you probably won’t find high quality gifts here. However, think about the dollar store as the finishing touch to your gift. Wrapping paper, bows, the whole nine yards. You might even find a cute key chain or stickers to make your gift even better. Everyone loves stickers.

Handmade the old-fashioned way:

This one is for your dear parents. They of all people should understand the financial situation you are currently in. It is certainly a great gift just to have you home for the holiday season, so why complain? It’s the thought that counts, so give mom and dad a heartfelt card made with love. Put a little humor into it and draw a picture of what you wish you could afford to buy them this holiday season.

‘Tis the season for gift giving and finishing off the semester strong!

Check out what people had to say about about shopping on a budget on Storify.